Texas House Bill HB2887

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the definition of a "Navigable stream".

Impact

The implications of this bill on state law are significant, especially for landowners and entities that utilize waterways for commerce or recreation. Should this definition be enacted, it may restrict access and navigation rights on streams that do not meet the specified criteria. Furthermore, local governments and regulatory agencies would have to adjust their policies concerning waterway management and conservation efforts. The redefinition could lead to ambiguity in existing laws related to waterways that may have previously been classified as navigable under broader interpretations.

Summary

House Bill 2887 seeks to redefine the term 'navigable stream' within the context of Texas law. The bill proposes that a navigable stream must maintain an average width of 30 feet and a constant water depth of at least 12 inches. This redefinition aims to clarify and potentially limit the characteristics that qualify a waterway as navigable, which could impact the rights relating to waterway usage and management in Texas. By establishing specific criteria, the bill attempts to provide clearer guidelines for navigation and environmental standards related to the state's waters.

Contention

Despite its intentions, HB2887 may face contention among various stakeholders. Environmental advocates may argue that the bill's stricter definitions could undermine conservation efforts, particularly for smaller streams that are ecologically important but do not meet the new navigable criteria. On the other hand, property owners and developers could view the bill as a means to assert more control over land use. The balance between environmental protection and economic development will likely be a central point of debate as discussions continue in the legislature.